The effect of a catalyst on a reaction is to ________.

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When evaluating how a catalyst affects a reaction, it’s key to recall that a catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, but it does not alter the overall thermodynamics or the position of equilibrium.
Option 1: "shift the equilibrium toward the side of the products" — This is false because a catalyst does not change the equilibrium constant or the final balance of products versus reactants; it only speeds up both directions equally, leaving the equilibrium position the same.
Option 2: "shift the equilibrium toward the side of the reactants" — For the same reason as above, catalysts do not shift equilibrium toward reactants; they do not change free energy differences between states, only the rates.
Option 3: "increase the rate of the forward reaction only" — This is incorrect because the catalyst lowers the activation energy for both the forward and the reverse reactions, so both rates increase rather than just the forward rate.
Option 4: "decrease the rate of the reverse reaction" — This is inaccurate; a catalyst does not slow down the reverse reaction; it speeds it up to maintain a quicker approach to equilibrium.
Option 5: "increase the rate of both the forward and reverse reactions" — This statement accurately reflects the catalytic effect: the catalyst provides a lower-energy pathway that accelerates both directions of the reaction, without changing the equilibrium position.
Option 6: "I am unsure and need to study this concept to prepare for the exam" — This option isn’t a scientific statement about how catalysts work; it’s an admission of uncertainty rather than an explanation of the chemical principle.
In summary, the correct conceptual takeaway is that a catalyst increases the rate of both the forward and reverse reactions by providing an alternative, lower-energy pathway, while leaving the equilibrium constant and position unchanged. The other options either claim a shift in equilibrium or misstate which reaction rates are affected, which contradicts the fundamental role of catalysts in reaction kinetics.

The effect of a catalyst on a reaction is to ________.

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